Tasted Wednesday, March 15, 2006 by gregg g with 873 views
Imagine, you're dinning in your local neighborhood bistro, enjoying your evening. One by one, you notice patrons entering carrying an assortment of boxes, bottles and one very large map. This group of 8 assembles at a table and proceeds to unveil a plethora of stems. Corks are pulled from numerous bottles and a large, I’m talking 4’ x4’, map of Volnay is strategically placed for the group. What a spectacle. I can only imagine what the couples are saying. “Are they really serious?” “Are these guys for real?”
Wednesday, March 15th has been on my calendar for over 2 months now. Periodically, I would take note and dream about this night. A tasting focusing on Volnay is akin to selecting a street, perhaps Figueroa in Highland Park, and deliberately and meticulously tasting through several, if not many, different tacos stand’s carne asada. Certainly there are differences, but an appreciation and systematic comparison is done. Ideas and impressions are formed. When done in a group setting, among like minded individuals, the experience is even more rewarding.
So it was last night that our Eastside Wine Group met for a systematic tasting of Volnays. This event would not have been possible, were it not for the generosity and wisdom of Robert Thornton. Robert donated almost all of the bottles for this event. In addition, he provided a world of knowledge and facts about the village. All I can say, with the utmost sincerity and appreciation, is thank you.
First up a white from Volnay or Mersualt, depending on your perspective. As Robert explained, if this parcel had been planted to pinot noir, we would have Volnay Santenots.
We learned from viewing the map that the Caillerets and Champans vineyards butt up to one another, with Champans (1er Cru) being the largest in Volnay. Robert explained that the northern section of these vineyards was long thought to hold the best sites in Volnay.
Again, taking into consideration that Taillapieds and Clos des Chenes share the west and east borders respectively, we focused on these vineyards from the northwest portion of Volnay.
Dessert
This was my favorite night so far among several we have done so far as a group. Each member brings something to the table, and I'm glad to be a part of this fun group. Great night!!!
1999 Domaine Marquis d'Angerville Meursault 1er Cru Santenots
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault 1er Cru
Starts out very fresh, showing some age in the nose with chopped nuts and that creme brulee like quality you only get with older wines. Nice mid palate richness with plenty of minerals. Well balanced wine showing plenty of acidity and grip, with good length to the finish. It started to flesh out a bit with air, but I finished my glass well within an hour, so I don't know how this ended up. I liked this.
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